The Mystery

Christmas Day

Week of: December 25, 2016
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-12

"He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being ..."
(Hebrews 1:3a, NRSV)

Devotion

Mystery. Few other words seem to capture what this day is better than "mystery." Yes, this is a day of rejoicing, of carols, of laughter, of family gatherings with presents and food. This is the day that all our work and planning has been leading up to. Celebrate! Christ is born! And still I say ... mystery.

How can it be that the birth of a baby, a tiny, innocent being, is the cause for our celebration? How can the "hopes and fears of all the years" be met in this one birth?

Our worship must contain space for mystery amidst the joyous acclamations of "Merry Christmas!" It is the mystery of Love so big, so amazing, so pure, that would come to us in the form of a baby to be the very "reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being" (Hebrews 1:3).

Prayer

O Love Divine, "we do not know, we cannot tell what songs were sung, what starlight fell, or why the holy mystery stands for so many years in so many lands." * Amen.

* "What Songs Were Sung," John Jacob Niles.